Rex keeps yapping about Jets over Giants

Jets coach Rex Ryan said the outcome of Monday's preseason game against the Giants doesn't matter, mainly because the teams will play for real Dec. 24, with the Jets as the host.

J.P. Pelzman

Jets coach Rex Ryan said the outcome of Monday's preseason game against the Giants doesn't matter, mainly because the teams will play for real Dec. 24, with the Jets as the host.

"If we weren't playing each other in the regular season," Ryan said, "then I think it would be (more special) because it's more bragging rights. These guys go eat at the same restaurants, same establishments and all that kind of stuff, so you definitely want to win that one. But the fact that it's a preseason game and we're (also) playing a regular season game, I don't think so."

Of course, Ryan said in his book "Play Like You Mean It," released last spring, that he considered the Jets to be "big brother" to the Giants.

"I am not backing down," Ryan said when asked about that. "I believe we are the best team in New York, and the goal is to be the best in the National Football League, not just in New York. I am not backing down one bit from that statement. I believe that will be the case."

Hype and trash-talk aside, the main goals for the Jets on Monday are to avoid injuries and to be as sharp as possible for the Sept. 11 opener against Dallas. Ryan expects to have both his starting offensive and defensive units intact after being beset with several injuries on both sides of the ball during training camp. Ryan said both starting units will play into the third quarter Monday.

"Both teams like to run the football and play aggressive defense," Ryan said of the Giants, "so I always think that makes for a great matchup.

"Really, I'd like to see us be able to establish the run game a little more and, obviously, this will be a huge test for us going against the Giants' defense."

Even if they are the Jets' little brothers.

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